Psilocybin’s cellular and systemic effects may range from unlocking a transcriptional blockade via epigenetic reprogramming, direct interactions on the receptor level e.g., through stable 5-HT₂A/mGluR2 heterodimerization, interference with altered brain networks to reactivate glutamatergic signaling in the mPFC or may impact on the alcohol or withdrawal induced microglia response.

Potential mechanisms of action of the fungal bioactive psilocybin in AUD

Existing pharmacotherapies have limited efficacy and medication development is stagnant for many years now. That being said, the current research in psychedelics has  rekindled some optimism.

Michigan State University

Alcohol Use Disorder is characterized by symptoms such as alcohol craving, recurrent use of alcohol that interferes with the fulfillment of one’s daily responsibilities, alcohol-seeking behavior, inability to control one’s drinking, drinking despite potential hazards (e.g., drinking while driving), the need for increased amounts of alcohol to achieve its effects (tolerance), and withdrawal symptoms when one stops or reduces alcohol intake (e.g., hand tremors, nausea, agitation, hallucinations). The disorder is distinguished as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number of these symptoms that an individual may have: Mild cases present with two to three symptoms; moderate cases four to five symptoms; and severe cases six or more symptoms.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Fungi are one of the main natural sources of psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin. Research suggests that psychedelics may have positive health effects on those suffering from both chronic mental and physical illnesses.

Mushrooms in Medicine

Meinhardt MW, Sommer WH. Schrooms against booze: Potential of mycotherapy for the treatment of AUD. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2022 Sep 8. doi: 10.1038/s41386-022-01446-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36076019.

Schrooms against booze: Potential of mycotherapy for the treatment of AUD

In this study, researchers explored the implementation of the online platform VetChange as a way to decrease Iraq and Afghanistan veterans' alcohol use and PTSD symptoms . 

Impact of Web-Based Interventions on Veterans' Alcohol Use & PTSD Symptoms 

AUDIT-C is a screener test for evaluating current alcohol consumption risk. 

Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C)

Of veterans receiving outpatient care at Veterans’ Affairs hospitals, ICU admission within 1 year was 2% for abstinent patients versus 2.5% for severe alcohol misuse. Once discharged from the hospital probability of readmission within one year is 48% for abstinent patients versus 55% for patients with severe alcohol misuse. 

ICU Admissions and Alcohol Misuse

Current research has emphasized the significance of impulsivity in understanding alcohol use and associated issues such as AUD. Impulsivity is a complex concept comprising multiple dimensions, some of which are influenced by biology and genetics.

Behavioral and Biological Indicators of Impulsivity in the
Development of Alcohol Use, Problems, and Disorders

Mental Health issues include: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Alexithymia, and Work Fatigue

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is linked to an assortment of mental health issues.

 Modern Western medical practice relies heavily on the use of highly purified pharmaceutical compounds whose purity can be easily assessed and whose pharmaceutical activity and toxicity show clear structure-function relationships. Thus, mushrooms have not been relevant in Western medical practice.

Mushrooms in Western Medicine

For decades, many mushroom-derived medicines contain mixtures of natural compounds had not undergone detailed chemical analyses and whose mechanism of action had not been elucidated.

Mushrooms in Eastern Medicine

Claviceps Purpurea (Rye Ergot Fungus is the common name) is a fungus that contains LSA (d-lysergic acid) or ergine. LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is synthetically derivatized from LSA. 

Rye Ergot Fungus — Claviceps Purpurea

Amanita Muscaria (Fly Agaric is the common name) is a mushroom that muscimol and DMT derivatives are commonly synthesized from.

Fly Agaric — Amanita Muscaria

A species of edible mushroom that contains compounds that show potential to be used as a mental health treatment.

Pleurotus cornucopiae

A species of edible mushroom that contains compounds that show potential to be used as a health treatment. It's common name comes from its long spines that resemble a lion's mane.

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